Battle Digest: Saratoga

By Christopher J. Petty

A concise guide to this dramatic Revolutionary War campaign with facts, maps, historical significance, and more.

In 1777, the British had the confidence to launch a plan to divide the Colonies along the Hudson River. After a promising British start, however, the Saratoga campaign would grind to a halt before turning into a stunning American victory. The battle rejuvenated the cause of independence while sowing the first seeds of doubt in Britain’s Parliament. Most significantly, the American victory also convinced France’s King Louis XVI to officially enter the war in support of the Americans. This critical French alliance would make Saratoga the turning point in the American Revolution.

Learn how General Gates and Benedict Arnold outfoxed and outmaneuvered the British to create this stunning American victory.

The Battle Digest summary includes all the key aspects of the campaign and battle, including maps, images, and lessons learned.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Oct 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781649217103

Christopher J. Petty

Christopher J. Petty is a retired Army Brigadier General, a graduate of West Point, and the U.S. Army War College. His career spanned multiple commands, including combat operations during the Iraq "Surge" and a NATO command in Bosnia. Chris's unique blend of three decades of military experience, love of history, and a passion for understanding the timeless lessons of war, make Battle Digest a unique, time-saving, and powerful resource.

Book preview

BATTLE DIGEST

Lessons for Today’s Leaders                        Volume 2 * Issue 6

Early American Wars:

Saratoga

DATE:

Sept. 19 – Oct. 17, 1777

LOCATION:

Saratoga (present-day Schuylerville), New York

OPPOSING FORCES

British Army: Approximately 6,500 troops (British Regulars, German mercenaries, militia, and Native Americans) commanded by Maj. Gen. John Gentleman Johnny Burgoyne, plus an additional 800 troops commanded by Col. Barry St. Leger.

Colonial Forces: The initial force of around 4,500 Continentals and militia would grow to over 10,000 by the battle of Bemis Heights. These forces were initially commanded by Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler, who was replaced by Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates. Key subordinates included Brig. Gen. Benedict Arnold, Brig. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, and Col. Daniel Morgan.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

As the campaign season opened in 1777, the American cause hung in the balance. Gen. George Washington’s defeat in New York and his subsequent retreat into New Jersey had put American forces on the defensive. Despite his successes at Trenton and Princeton, Washington was doing everything he could to hold his army together as enlistments expired. The British, meanwhile, had the confidence to